Direct Assistance Coordinator

  BackgroundDRC is an International non-governmental organisation, which provides protection and promotes durable solutions to refugees and displacement affected populations over the world. In Lebanon specifically, DRC started operations in 2004 with a focus on protection of Palestinian refugees that was then extended to education and livelihood support. Iraqi refugees and Migrant Domestic workers have also been assisted similarly in the past years with the objective to build the capacity of local NGOs.   Since May 2011, DRC has been actively involved in the Lebanon emergency response to the Syrian crisis with presence in the North, East (Bekaa valley) and South of Lebanon. The DRC response is designed around 4 major sectors: Food/NFI distribution, Protection, Shelter and Livelihood support. As such, DRC is positioned in Lebanon as one of the main implementing partners of UNHCR, WFP and ECHO, implying a rapid expansion of its programme and structure. To cope with the increasing number of refugees and its multi-sector intervention, DRC is constantly expanding its capacity to cope with the growing volume of activities. The caseload is expected to continue to grow in 2014. Therefore, DRC Lebanon is looking for a Direct Assistance Coordinator whose responsibilities are outlined below:   Duties and Responsibilities The DAC has the overall responsibility for implementation of DRC direct assistance activities (distribution of food, NFI and cash assistance) in all DRC Lebanon areas of operation, with a focus on the refugee newcomer program and emergency preparedness and response Representation & Coordination Represent DRC before relevant donors, in sector working groups and interagency planning workshops; Co-chair of the national NFI working group, including roll out of newcomers SOPs; Participate in internal strategic and planning meetings; In coordination with UNHCR and the national NFI working group, update the newcomer SOP when needed and roll it out in DRC areas of operation though field working groups; Programming and implementation Analyze the local context and anticipate movements and displacement-related trends in DRC’s areas of operation, including the identification of alternative distribution sites to be used in case of large influx of refugees; Plan distributions (in-kind, vouchers, e-vouchers and cash) for registered, newly registered and newcomer refugees in coordination with the Emergency Response Coordinator, Heads of Offices and relevant field Managers; Coordinate with DRC logistics and procurement teams to ensure that items are delivered to the different areas of operations on time, and provide accurate distribution data to the logistics department for the monthly NFI reconciliation; Regularly update the NFI procurement plan for newcomers and ensure NFI stock availability in the project locations in coordination with relevant logistics and field staff; Ensure coordination between the emergency response team, the direct assistance team, the protection team and the data management team; Technical coordination of DRC direct assistance staff in all areas of operation; Suggest adjustments to the direct assistance team size and structure according to evolving needs and programming; Coordinate the newcomers’ response in all DRC areas of operation and support the field coordination mechanism; updating the strategy and work plan in order to ensure timely implementation, providing technical support as needed; Contribute to developing an emergency distribution methodology to be implemented by mobile teams; Follow up on the post distribution monitoring (PDM) and evaluation of shops and beneficiary families, as per agreement with the donors, in coordination with field management; Update DRC Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPRP) and coordinate its implementation in case of activation; Reporting Report achievements and challenges internally and to donors on a weekly/monthly/quarterly basis; Monthly reporting of significant financial variances on distribution budget lines to Finance Department; Ensure that the Distribution programme is compliant with DRC accountability principles. Requirements Full proficiency in spoken and written English. Proficiency in Arabic is an advantage. At least 3 years’ experience working as a manager of large scale distribution programmes, preferably including experience in cash distributions. Experience working in the Middle East is a strong asset. Working experience with UNHCR, ECHO and WFP guidelines.   We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, irrespective of nationality, race, gender or age.   Conditions Availability: 1. January 2014 Duty station: Beirut, with frequent field trips (Lebanon) Contract: 6 months renewable contract.   Salary and conditions in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to www.drc.dk under Vacancies. The position will be placed at salary level A12.  Qualified Lebanese candidates are encouraged to apply and if selected will be offered a contract under Lebanese law and DRC Lebanon’s terms and conditions for national employees   Further information      we only accept applications sent online via www.drc.dk under Vacancies > Current vacancies > Direct Assistance Coordinator - Lebanon. For general information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult www.drc.dk. Commitments DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability commitments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework (http://www.drc.dk/HAF.4265.0.html). Application process Only motivated applications that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications, sent together with a CV, will be considered. CV-only applications will not be considered. Please provide references, but do not attach any written recommendations. Please submit your application, in English and marked “Direct Assistance Coordinator - Lebanon” no later than 17. December 2013. DRC reserves the right to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the above deadline. Please contact  job@drc.dk if you have questions to the application process or experience problems with your online application.